I'm building a web application that needs a terminal interface, but I want to keep it really basic—no fancy features like HTTPS or WebSocket connections. All I need is a simple text input that behaves like a Linux terminal, handling enter key events and maybe displaying text in a terminal style. I've tried using xterm.js, but I found it really frustrating; it feels like it hasn't been updated in ages and a lot of the add-ons, like the fit-addon, don't work properly. I've also considered ttyd, but it requires a process to connect to, which isn't what I want. Are there any other alternatives to xterm.js that actually work as advertised? Or, does anyone have solutions for some of the issues with xterm.js?
5 Answers
I’m not sure what tech stack you’re using, but PrimeNG has a terminal component that might suit your needs. I haven’t used it myself, but I have found PrimeNG’s other components quite useful. You can check it out here: primeng.org/terminal.
Xterm.js does a lot by translating ANSI codes to show terminal-like behavior in the browser, so be aware that it's more complex than just styling. If you just want to present text that looks like a Linux terminal, you might check out some syntax highlighting libraries like ace-builds or monaco-editor and pair them with a shell or bash theme instead.
Could you share a bit more about your intended usage? When you mention 'key events', do you mean navigating directories or something else? If it’s just about having a terminal-style text box, you could easily set this up with a simple web app using basic CSS for styling and some backend logic to handle session messages.
Honestly, what you're describing sounds pretty simple to create on your own! Just throw together a black background with a styled text input, and you should be set.
If you’re open to using VueJS, I found a promising option called the PrimeVue terminal component. It seems to have the features you might need. You can look into it here: primevue.org/terminal.
Related Questions
Remove Duplicate Items From List
EAN Validator
EAN Generator
Cloudflare Cache Detector
HTTP Status Code Check
Online PDF Editor